Rescue Me! Holiday Beauty Survival Tips

Bah! Breath or Hands with Strong Party-Food Odors

Cause: Eating or preparing garlicky, oniony, or cheesy foods. Who wants to worry about kissing people hello or good-bye after close encounters with strong foods?

Aah! Slip into the bathroom, floss, and brush your teeth and tongue. “Food and bacteria can get caught in the crevices of the tongue and cause bad breath,” says Barbara J. Steinberg, D.D.S., a clinical professor of dental surgery at the Drexel University College of Medicine, in Philadelphia. “If you don’t have time or a toothbrush, chew on a sprig of parsley from the hors d’oeuvres tray or the lemon from your cocktail,” says Silk. To get rid of odors on hands, rub lemon wedges or slices between them, then rinse. No lemons? Try rubbing your hands on your stainless-steel kitchen sink to diminish the smell of onions, garlic, and fish.